Nestled on the south shore of the legendary Murray River, Mildura is perfectly located for fun and relaxing outdoor activities. Whether you want to enjoy a picnic with friends and family, or take advantage of some of the region’s premier fishing spots, it has everything you could ever need to host all of your outdoor activities. Here we’ll look at some of the best areas to go when looking to enjoy the great outdoors, both within Mildura itself and just a short drive from away.
Mildura Fishing Spots
If you’re looking for a good day on or by the water, Mildura fishing spots are among the best in all of Victoria. The Murray River itself is famous for its prime fishing game, and is home to the Murray Cod – Australia’s largest freshwater fish – which can grow over a meter in length and can weigh over a whopping 25 kg!
You will also find likely find the Murray Crayfish, which are the second-largest freshwater fish in the world, alongside a variety of Trout, Golden Perch, Silver Perch, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Catfish, and the occasional Trout Cod.
Here’s are some of the most popular Mildura fishing spots we suggest you try:
King’s Billabong
A lake located just fifteen minutes from Mildura, King’s Billabong is a highly-rated spot where you can catch Common Carp, Golden Perch, and Dewfish. It’s also one of many family-friendly areas in Mildura for a picnic (more on that below), hiking on some trails, and enjoying some peace and quiet away from the city.
Lake Hawthorn
Lake Hawthorn is a picturesque spot close to Mildura where you can find Common Carp, European Perch, and Golden Perch. It’s also a perfect spot to walk along at the beach or take some pictures at sunset.
Lake Ranfurly
A ten-minute drive from Mildura, Lake Ranfurly is a great place to enjoy some quiet and still get back in town at day’s end. The most popular species caught at Lake Ranfurly are Golden Perch, Murray Cod, and Dewfish.
Lock Island
Lock Island is a nature preserve located within the Murray River and is just a ten-minute drive from Mildura Central. It’s not only a great place to fish but also one of the many parks in Mildura to enjoy a picnic, or just somewhere you can sit in the sun and get away from the crowds. You can also take the PS Melbourne paddle steamer for a two-hour cruise up the Murray and through Lock 11.
Merbein Common
Here’s another quiet and sprawling nature preserve just minutes away from Mildura. Here you can drop a line, enjoy a picnic with the family, do some camping or go for a swim. The water is deep here, and you can catch some of that famous Murray Cod or a Golden Perch
Parks in Mildura & Picnic Spots
If fishing isn’t your thing but you’re looking for one of the many parks in Mildura to enjoy a picnic instead, here are a few suggestions that will help you get out in the sun with friends and family:
Apex River Beach Holiday Park
Located right on the Murray River, this popular camping site has friendly staff, clean amenities, and great biking and walking trails. A great spot in Mildura for a picnic.
Australian Inland Botanic Gardens
This is a beautiful area to enjoy a picnic just a 15-minute drive away from Mildura. Among other things, the Botanic Gardens features a rose garden as well as 50 hectares of gardens featuring plants from around the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, as well as New Zealand and Australia.
Jaycee Park
Jaycee Park is a popular picnic area for both locals and visitors alike. Located right on Hugh King Drive and across from the Murray, Jaycee Park is popular with both kids and adults. The park features a playground, free BBQ and picnic facilities and toilets.
Mildura Homestead
Mildura Homestead is a nice place to enjoy some history while picnicking either at the picnic benches or on the riverfront.
Nowingi Place
Nowingi place features Mildura’s beautiful outdoor amphitheatre. Sitting right between the Ornamental Lakes and the Murray River, the lawns of Nowingi Place are an ideal spot for a picnic with outdoor furniture, shaded areas and a playground.
Ornamental Lakes Park
Ornamental Lakes Park is a community park along the Mildura Riverfront. It’s a great spot to go for a walk, or enjoy some coffee or grab a bite to eat. There’s also a playground, barbecues and public toilets, and is a perfect place to get together with some good company. The spot has also recently become a nursery for two endangered species – the Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon and Murray River Rainbow Fish.
Enjoying the Most of Mildura with the Gateway Tavern
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the perfect spot around Mildura for a picnic or do some good fishing on the legendary Murray River, there are always countless things to do in the area. Once you’re finished in the outdoors, visit the Mildura markets, or come tell us about your adventures with dinner at the Gateway Tavern today!
